Farms in Vermont are rallying to support Jamaican seasonal workers affected by Hurricane Melissa, which caused significant damage in Jamaica. Many workers have returned home to find their properties destroyed, prompting local aid efforts including crowdfunding campaigns to assist them and their families. Vermont relies heavily on Jamaican workers for agriculture, and communities are working to provide support during this crisis.
Gaza faces a severe water crisis with polluted aquifers, broken pipelines, and limited access, forcing residents to walk long distances for contaminated water, while aid efforts like new pipelines are underway to address the crisis.
Climate change-fueled winter extremes in Mongolia are causing deadly "dzud" winters to occur more frequently, devastating herding families and their livestock. Over 90% of the country is now at "high risk," with millions of livestock animals dying and herders facing financial ruin. Aid efforts are underway, but the government is criticized for not doing enough to prepare for the extreme weather. The situation is exacerbating internal upheaval in Mongolia ahead of a historic national election, while the country also grapples with deepening ties with Western countries and the influence of neighboring authoritarian giants.
The largest provider of humanitarian support in the Gaza Strip, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, may be forced to cease operations by Wednesday night if it doesn't receive fuel, jeopardizing aid distribution to the 600,000 people sheltering at its facilities and residents across the enclave amid intensifying Israeli airstrikes.
Jewish communities worldwide are mobilizing to provide aid to Israel in response to the ongoing violence and trauma. Israeli hospitals, volunteer emergency services, and mental health resources are in need of donations. Organizations such as American Friends of Magen David Adom, United Hatzalah, ZAKA, and Lev Echad are on the front lines providing emergency aid and support. The Jewish federations system and various fundraisers are also collecting funds to assist victims. Additionally, efforts are being made to ensure Israeli soldiers have necessary supplies, and organizations like Bayit Brigade, Belev Echad, Friends of the IDF, and Latet are raising funds for their support. Mental health helplines and organizations like NATAL, ERAN, One Family Fund, and Bayit Cham are providing counseling and support to those affected. Other initiatives are focused on delivering material goods, combating online antisemitism, and providing direct aid to Israeli citizens in need.
The city of Derna in eastern Libya is facing a long recovery after being devastated by a flood. The search for missing individuals continues as more bodies are recovered from the sea. Entire districts have been swept away or buried in mud, with an estimated population of at least 120,000 affected. The International Organization for Migration has reported over 5,000 presumed deaths and thousands displaced. Aid efforts, including emergency supplies and medical assistance, are underway, but the situation remains tragic and complicated. The political divisions in Libya may hinder the aid effort.
The death toll from flooding in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has risen to over 400 people, with more than 5,500 people still unaccounted for. Aid efforts have been hindered by a lack of access and resources, and survivors are struggling to find missing family members. The disaster has highlighted the vulnerability of people to climate change in many parts of Africa, where poor urban planning and weak infrastructure means communities often cannot withstand increasing bouts of extreme weather.
